HOPE COLLEGE
VIENNA SUMMER SCHOOL
60th Annual Program
Director: Stephen Hemenway, English Department
Associate Director: Janis Gibbs, History Department
Full Program: May 10–June 26, 2016
First Session (Actual Orientation & Classes): May 10–June 3, 2016
Second Session (Actual Orientation & Classes): June 2–26, 2016
Credits: 4 per session
In 2016, the Hope College Vienna Summer School will celebrate its 60th year. This summer’s two
sessions offer 8 credits in numerous academic fields: German Language, Austrian Art &
Architecture, Modern Austrian History, Empires of the World and Mind, Vienna’s Musical
Traditions, Theology & Ethics (An Illustrated Guide), Economic/Business Issues in Europe, a Senior
Seminar (Vienna: Values in Transit), and Independent Studies. Field trips within Austria and
excursions to neighboring countries add a significant dimension to the learning experience.
The program, open to qualified applicants of any age who have completed at least one year of
college before Summer 2016, has a maximum of 55 students per session. Minimum grade point
average for acceptance is usually 3.0. A student on disciplinary probation will need clearance for
eligibility.
Students may enroll for either or both of the sessions. Each student selects one course per session for
4 credit hours each. Classes may be audited, but full tuition must be paid. Transcripts for non-Hope
students are sent to home colleges for credit transfer. Enrollment for each course is usually around
5-15 students. German-language courses are taught party in German, but other classes are taught in
English. Most courses fulfill general education requirements for Hope students, and all courses
satisfy the Global Learning International requirement. Classes convene at the Austro-American
Institute of Education across the street from the Opera in central Vienna.
Visit the program website for more details, including cost and scholarship information.
FIRST SESSION ORIENTATION & CLASSES
May 10–June 3
VSS: German I
Germ 101, GLI
Credits: 4
Instructor: Prof. Karen Kalser
Course Description: An introduction to German language for beginners, this course stresses the
basic skills necessary to communicate in German. Students earn credit for German 101. Prof. Karen
Kalser, a free-lance teacher and a mother of four, has taught in the program since 1996.
VSS: Cultural Heritage II: Empires of the World, Empires of the Mind
IDS 172, CH2, GLI
Credits: 4
Instructor: Dr. Janis Gibbs
Course Description: This course incorporates literature, philosophy and history from the 16th to
the 20th centuries. It examines cultural and intellectual developments of Central Europe from the
Holy Roman and Austro-Hungarian Empires, to the dawn of modern Austria. Readings include
fiction (Kafka), history (Morton), philosophy (Kant, Nietzsche), and cultural criticism (Freud). Dr.
Janis Gibbs (PhD from University of Virginia and Associate Professor of History at Hope), specializes
in the interplay of religious, social, and cultural factors in early modern German cities.
VSS: Theology and Ethics: An Illustrated Guide
Rel 295, RL2, GLI
Credits: 4
Instructor: Dr. David S. Cunningham
Course Description: This course examines Christian beliefs about God, creation, evil, and salvation,
and their implications for Christian ethics. Students read key biblical texts and theological
commentaries and take field trips to churches, museums, and performance venues to consider how
the arts exemplify theological themes. Dr. David S. Cunningham (PhD from Duke University and
Professor of Religion at Hope) focuses on the intersection of theology and the arts as one of his
academic specialties.
VSS: Austrian Art & Architecture
Art 111, GLI, FA1
Art 295, GLI
Hist 131, GLI, CH2*
Hist 295, GLI
Credits: 4
Instructor: Dr. Beatrice Ottersböck
Course Description: This course focuses on the rich treasures of the Baroque and Rococo, for which
Vienna is an ideal setting. Austrian artifacts from Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, Biedermeier and
Modern periods are also examined. Most classes occur in museums, palaces, monasteries, and
churches. The instructor, Dr. Beatrice Ottersböck (Czech native and art historian with a PhD from
University of Pittsburgh) has taught American students in Vienna since 1968.
VSS: Modern Austrian History
Hist 131, GLI, CH2*
Hist 295, GLI
Credits: 4
Instructor: Dr. Herbert Czermak
Course Description: This course focuses on Austria from the decline of the Habsburg Empire,
through the two World Wars, up to Austria’s entry into the European Union. Walking tours,
museums, and films make Austrian history come alive. Dr. Herberth Czermak (PhD from University
of New Hampshire, Professor Emeritus University of Vienna’s Institute for Translators, and teacher
for many overseas programs) has taught for Hope since 1987.
VSS: Vienna’s Musical Traditions
Mus 101, FA1, GLI
Mus 295, GLI
Hist 131, GLI, CH2*
Hist 295, GLI
Credits: 4
Instructor: Dr. Wolfgang Reisinger
Course Description: This course focuses on Vienna’s contributions to classical music and opera
(Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Bruckner, Strauss, Mahler). Dr. Wolfgang Reisinger
(Viennese native with PhD degrees from the Universities of Vienna and Kansas) has served as
Director of the Vienna Church Music Conservatory and organ consultant for the Vienna
Archdiocese. He composed music for Pope Benedict’s 2007 visit to Austria. Homework includes
attendance at the world’s finest operas and concerts.
*Hist 131 counts for CH2 if a student has taken or will take IDS 171 or IDS 175 for CH1. Consult
the College Catalog and your advisor to assure you are making the right choice.
SECOND SESSION ORIENTATION & CLASSES
June 2–26
VSS: German II
Germ 102, FL2, GLI
Credits: 4
Instructor: Prof. Karen Kalser
Course Description: A continuation of German 101 with Ms. Karen Kalser, this course develops
further knowledge of German.
VSS: German in Austria
Germ 201, FL2, GLI
Germ 295, GLI
Credits: 4
Instructor: Dr. Lee Forester
Course Description: This course is a multi-level German language and culture course focusing on
Austria and Vienna. Students may earn credit for Germ 201 if they have already completed two
semesters of German, or, Germ 295 if they are more advanced. The course counts toward a German
minor or major. Dr. Lee Forester (PhD from Unversity of California at Berkeley and Professor of
German at Hope) lived in Vienna for two years and can help students navigate the wonderful
Viennese dialect. Students will spend considerable time exploring places in Vienna and using their
ever-improving German.
VSS: Cultural Heritage II, Empires of the World, Empires of the Mind
IDS 172, CH2, GLI
Credits: 4
Instructor: Dr. Janis Gibbs
Course Description: See course description under first session.
VSS: Austrian Art & Architecture
Art 111, FA1, GLI
Art 295, GLI
Hist 131, GLI, CH2*
Hist 295, GLI
Credits: 4
Instructor: Dr. Beatrice Ottersböck
Course Description: See course description under first session.
VSS: Economic and Business Issues in Europe
Econ 200, SS2, GLI
Econ 211, SS1, GLI
Econ 395, GLI
Mgmt 395, GLI
Instructor: Prof. Brian Gibbs
Course Description: This course delves into economic principles and policies of the European
Union and examines the impact and implications of the EU on businesses and people. Readings,
speakers and field trips explore these issues under the guidance of Prof. Brian Gibbs (Hope alumnus
and Board of Trustees member, Associate Dean at the European Business School in Wiesbaden).
With 25 years of expertise in strategy and operations consulting to businesses worldwide, Gibbs has
served many vital roles in the Vienna Summer School since 1985.
VSS: Senior Seminar: Vienna, Values in Transit
IDS 481, SRS, GLI
Credits: 4
Instructor: Dr. Stephen Hemenway
Course Description: This course will question the philosophies and life choices articulated by daily
speakers. Artists, clergy, diplomats, politicians, teachers, and WWII veterans and victims share their
life stories. Under the guidance of Dr. Stephen Hemenway (PhD from University of Illinois),
students interact with speakers and each other, read nonfiction, write journals and formulate
personal views for a “Philosophy of Life” paper.
Prerequisite: at least second-semester junior status.
*Hist 131 counts for CH2 if a student has taken or will take IDS 171 or IDS 175 for CH1. Consult
the College Catalog and your advisor to assure you are making the right choice.